Ancient QiGong movement may rewire the brain to quiet chronic back pain

NCT ID NCT04164225

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study explores whether practicing QiGong—a gentle mind-body exercise—can help people with chronic low back pain by altering brain regions linked to body awareness. Sixty adults with ongoing back pain will either follow a 12-week QiGong program or do low-impact core exercises. Researchers will measure changes in pain intensity, body awareness, and mindfulness using questionnaires and brain scans.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Qigong exercise

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a non-drug, mind-body approach for managing chronic low back pain.

What could go wrong

This is a small early study (60 people) comparing QiGong to another exercise. Results may not apply to everyone, and benefits may be modest.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Low Back Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Children's Rehabilitation Center, 426 Church Street SE Room 302 - Brain Body Mind Lab Minneapolis, MN 55455

    RECRUITING

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••